National staffing agency seeks to hire employees in Biloxi

For the first time, a national staffing agency is teaming up with several Biloxi organizations to find qualified employees. The company is holding a series of mini job fairs this week.

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -

For the first time, a national staffing agency is teaming up with several Biloxi organizations to find qualified employees. The company is holding a series of mini job fairs this week to fill dozens of vacancies in the hotel industry.

Hospitality Staffing Solutions finds workers for 700 hotels in 32 states, including Mississippi. The company is trying to fill 45 positions for their clients -- South Mississippi hotels and casinos.

"We're looking for housekeepers, grounds keepers, and maintenance personnel," said Liza Herrera, a company recruiter.

On Tuesday, the company hosted a mini job fair at Hope CDA in Biloxi.

"It's hard to go out and find a job. You don't know where to go," said Herrera. "So the more people we get in touch with, the more community resources we can get in touch with and get the word out that we're actually hiring, the more opportunity for the average Joe to find us."

"Very often people don't know where to look for a job, but it's great if we can bring the employers to the future employees," said Hope CDA Director Bill Stallworth.

About 80 people showed up to fill out applications.

"I just moved to the Gulf Coast and I'm planning on getting married, so I have to help out and support my family," said Curtis Riley of Gulfport.

"I was looking for something, anything, and a guy from my church told me about this. I was here bright and early, ready for this opportunity," said Kumi Magee of Biloxi.

The wait paid off for Magee. After a short interview, he and eight other people were hired instantly.

"I got hired on as a groundskeeper for a golf course. She said I could start next week and that she'd give me a call. It feels good," said Magee.

"This is wonderful," said Riley. "These organizations coming in, helping the community, filling applications right on the spot, you know hard times."

The staffing company will hold job fairs at two other Biloxi agencies and expects to fill all the vacancies by the end of the week.

On Wednesday, you can apply at the Beatrice Brown Community Center on George Quint Circle. It will run from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. On Thursday, the event will take place at the WIN Job Center on Pass Road from 10:00 AM until noon.